EP0034377B2 - Method and apparatus for feeding articles, especially packages, into the run of an endless conveyor - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for feeding articles, especially packages, into the run of an endless conveyor Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0034377B2
EP0034377B2 EP81102133A EP81102133A EP0034377B2 EP 0034377 B2 EP0034377 B2 EP 0034377B2 EP 81102133 A EP81102133 A EP 81102133A EP 81102133 A EP81102133 A EP 81102133A EP 0034377 B2 EP0034377 B2 EP 0034377B2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
turret
packets
pockets
sleeve
slide
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP81102133A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0034377A3 (en
EP0034377B1 (en
EP0034377A2 (en
Inventor
Heinz Focke
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Focke and Co GmbH and Co KG
Original Assignee
Focke and Co GmbH and Co KG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=6031963&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=EP0034377(B2) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by Focke and Co GmbH and Co KG filed Critical Focke and Co GmbH and Co KG
Publication of EP0034377A2 publication Critical patent/EP0034377A2/en
Publication of EP0034377A3 publication Critical patent/EP0034377A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0034377B1 publication Critical patent/EP0034377B1/en
Publication of EP0034377B2 publication Critical patent/EP0034377B2/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B19/00—Packaging rod-shaped or tubular articles susceptible to damage by abrasion or pressure, e.g. cigarettes, cigars, macaroni, spaghetti, drinking straws or welding electrodes
    • B65B19/02—Packaging cigarettes
    • B65B19/22—Wrapping the cigarettes; Packaging the cigarettes in containers formed by folding wrapping material around formers
    • B65B19/223—Wrapping the cigarettes; Packaging the cigarettes in containers formed by folding wrapping material around formers in a curved path; in a combination of straight and curved paths, e.g. on rotary tables or other endless conveyors
    • B65B19/225—Wrapping the cigarettes; Packaging the cigarettes in containers formed by folding wrapping material around formers in a curved path; in a combination of straight and curved paths, e.g. on rotary tables or other endless conveyors the conveyors having continuous movement
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B19/00—Packaging rod-shaped or tubular articles susceptible to damage by abrasion or pressure, e.g. cigarettes, cigars, macaroni, spaghetti, drinking straws or welding electrodes
    • B65B19/02—Packaging cigarettes
    • B65B19/12—Inserting the cigarettes, or wrapped groups thereof, into preformed containers
    • B65B19/18—Inserting the cigarettes, or wrapped groups thereof, into preformed containers into drawer-and-shell type boxes or cartons
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B19/00—Packaging rod-shaped or tubular articles susceptible to damage by abrasion or pressure, e.g. cigarettes, cigars, macaroni, spaghetti, drinking straws or welding electrodes
    • B65B19/02—Packaging cigarettes
    • B65B19/12—Inserting the cigarettes, or wrapped groups thereof, into preformed containers
    • B65B19/20—Inserting the cigarettes, or wrapped groups thereof, into preformed containers into boxes with hinged lids

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for inserting packs into pockets or the like of a revolver which rotates continuously at a different speed to the speed of the packs to be fed. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for feeding or transferring packs fed individually or discontinuously from a conveyor to a turret provided with pockets or the like. with a transfer device for accelerating the packs from a standstill to the revolving speed of the continuously revolving revolver and for delivering the packs to the pockets of the revolver at the same speed as the revolver.
  • Such a method and a corresponding device are known from DE-A 19 09 777.
  • This document describes a method in which, for introducing packs into the pockets of a continuously revolving revolver, the packs are accelerated to a point by a transfer device arranged outside the revolver Circumferential speed of the revolver takes place. At the same speed at the moment between the package to be transferred and the respective pocket of the revolver, the package to be transferred is pushed into the pocket of the revolver.
  • the device for carrying out this known method has a transfer device which can be moved around its axis of rotation to accelerate the packs parallel to the outer circumference of the revolver.
  • the object of the invention is to simplify the transfer of packs to a continuously revolving revolver of a packaging machine.
  • the packs to be fed are accelerated from a standstill to the circumferential speed of the revolver along a conveying path leading to the revolver and designed as a circular path parallel to the revolver, from stationary, to the circumferential speed of the revolver, the conveying path being at least in the area of the transfer of the packs the revolver enters the orbit of the revolver or the pockets of the same, in such a way that the packs are immediately taken over by the pockets of the revolver at the same speed as the revolver.
  • the pack to be introduced into the continuously revolving revolver is brought into an (intermediate) conveyor track in which the pack is accelerated to the revolving speed of the revolver and is then placed directly into one of the pockets of the revolver.
  • the invention further relates to measures for handling the objects on or on the revolver after transfer to it.
  • the problem here is to bring together and unite objects during the revolver's revolution, in particular to insert the contents of a pack into them.
  • the procedure according to the invention is such that the objects to be brought together are conveyed coaxially and at the same speed, each along coaxial circular paths of the same diameter, and at least one of the objects is combined with one another by axial displacement (cf. EP-A-0 003 573).
  • the corresponding device is characterized by the design features according to claim 10.
  • the invention can be used with particular advantages in the production of cigarette packs of the "pusher and sleeve" type.
  • the device shown in the drawings consists of several interacting Individual units that work together optimally, but can also be used in other contexts.
  • Objects can be combined with one another in a continuous movement sequence by means of a merging unit 10.
  • these objects are a sleeve 11 on the one hand and a filled slide 12 of a cigarette pack of the type “slide and sleeve” shown as an example in FIG. 1.
  • a transfer device 13 is used to feed objects - in the present case the filled slide 12 - to a continuously revolving revolver 19.
  • This transfer device 13 is preceded by a lifting device 14, through which objects are transferred from a conveyor 15, which in the present case is straight, to the lifting device 14 will.
  • the transfer of the objects here slide 12 provided with cigarettes
  • the objects or the slide 12 provided with cigarettes are moved by the as Chain conveyor trained conveyor 15 supplied, one after the other, each by a driver 59.
  • the objects (slide 12) are then lifted by a lifter 60 of the lifting device 14 from the conveyor 15 and fed to the transfer device 13.
  • the transfer device 13 in the present case consists of two groups of driver pockets 61.
  • the configuration of these driver pockets 61 is such that at the ends of mutually opposite webs 62 there are arranged upright or pin 63 pointing approximately in the radial direction. Two of these pins 63 each rest on opposite sides of the objects, namely the slide 12.
  • the two webs 62 are connected to one another by a cross bar 64. This in turn sits at the end of a radially directed conveyor arm 65 or 66.
  • the driver pockets 61 are therefore open laterally and radially outwards.
  • the conveyor arms 65 on the one hand and 66 on the other hand are each rotatably supported on a shaft 69 via a hub 67 and 68, respectively.
  • the conveyor arms 65, 66 and thus the driving pockets 61 are driven non-uniformly all round, in such a way that when an object is picked up, that is to say in the position adjacent to the lifting device 14, the conveyor arm 65, 66 in question comes to a standstill. This is then accelerated to the peripheral speed of the revolver 19 or the receiving pockets 21 of the same.
  • the use of two groups of driving pockets 61 which can be moved independently of one another ensures that standstill, acceleration and instantaneous synchronization with the turret 19 can take place in short successive movement phases and thus with a correspondingly high performance of the machine.
  • the conveyor arms 65 and 66 step with their driver pockets 61 in succession into the positions of picking up and delivering an object. Accordingly, while a conveyor arm 65 is brought to a standstill, another conveyor arm 66 is accelerated to the rotational speed of the pockets 21.
  • a common drive is assigned to both groups of conveyor arms 65 and 66.
  • a two-armed drive member 70 is fixedly mounted on the shaft 69.
  • This drive element 70 which rotates with the shaft 69, is provided at the ends with a bearing 71 for a drive pin 72.
  • This axially parallel drive pin 72 is provided on a leg piece 73 with a feeler roller 74 which enters a control groove 75 of a control disk 76 rotatably mounted on the shaft 69.
  • the drive pin 72 Due to the control movements of the feeler roller 74, the drive pin 72 is set in rotary movements via the leg piece 73 during the rotation of the drive member 70.
  • a driver roller 79 mounted on the conveyor arm 65 or 66 runs in the slot 78 thereof.
  • a drive is accordingly transmitted to the conveyor arms 65, 66. which results on the one hand from the movement of the continuously rotating drive element 70 and on the other hand from the movements of the drive pin 72 which overlap therewith.
  • the carrier pockets 61 are arranged at the ends of the conveyor arms 65, 66 in such a way that these carrier pockets 61 lie in one plane when the conveyor arms 65, 66 are arranged next to one another. The same applies to the driver rollers 79.
  • the objects namely slide 12, are moved along an arc-shaped, stationary conveyor track 80 through the driving pockets 61.
  • the conveyor track 80 consists of two lateral, approximately quarter-circle-shaped angle pieces 81, 82. The ends of the objects rest on the lower legs of these angle pieces 81, 82.
  • the conveyor track 80 leads directly to the turret 19.
  • the conveyor track 80 ends in the path of movement of the pockets 21 of the revolver 19.
  • the angle pieces 81, 82 run on both sides of these pockets 21 (see FIG. 8).
  • the pockets 21 or their side walls 24, 25 enter the area between the pins 62 of the driving pockets 61.
  • the objects namely slide 12, are lifted from the conveyor 15 by a lifter 83 of the lifting device 14 and are guided from below into a carrier pocket 61 of the transfer device 13 which is open at the bottom.
  • the jack 83 consists of a bearing surface 84 which on the the incoming objects facing side is open so that the objects can be transported by the driver 59 of the conveyor 15 on the jack 83.
  • the objects rest against a stop 85, which thus determines the exact relative position of the object on the lifter 83.
  • the lifter 83 is now displaced parallel in the upward direction, specifically on an arcuate movement path which is directed in the direction of movement of the conveyor 15 and upwards. The objects are thereby removed from the conveyor 15 without an abrupt change in the direction of movement and thus gently.
  • the lifter 83 is supported by an angle piece 86 on parallelogram links 87 and 88. By pivoting back and forth, these ensure the obliquely upward parallel displacement of the lifter 83 or the bearing surface 84. During this upward movement, the continuing drivers 59 ensure that the objects abut against the stop 85.
  • the angle pieces 81 and 82 of the conveyor track 80 are formed without the lower legs serving as supports for the objects in the area of the transfer of the objects to a downward driving pocket 61, a different one is required here after the objects have been inserted into the driving pockets 61 Support for the objects until they reach the region of the legs 89 by moving the driving pocket 61 further.
  • holding strips 90, 91 which can be pivoted laterally to the object are provided. These are provided on the sides facing the objects with a recess 92 which has a lower arched support surface 93 for supporting the objects. Holding strips 90 and 91 and their support surface 93 are arranged in the holding position so that the support surfaces 93 form an extension or extension of the legs 89 of the angle pieces 81 and 82.
  • the lifter 83 can thus return to the starting position immediately after the object has been introduced into the driving pocket 61.
  • the holding strips 90 and 91 are pivoted laterally onto the object, as a result of which the support surfaces 93 support the object downward.
  • the driving pocket 61 begins to move further, the object passes from the support surfaces 93 onto the adjoining legs 89 of the conveyor track 80.
  • the holding strips 90, 91 are each mounted on two-armed levers 94 and 95. Of these, the lever 96 is driven back and forth by a push rod 96. The movements of the lever 95 are transmitted via an intermediate member 97 with reversal of direction on the angularly shaped lifts 94.
  • Another push rod 98 is used to drive the jack 83 via an intermediate link 99.
  • the levers 94 and 95 as well as the parallelogram link 87, 88 and the intermediate link 99 are each mounted on the same axles.
  • the turret 19 is assigned a second turret 20.
  • Both revolvers 19 and 20 are rotatably mounted on a common main axis 18.
  • the second revolver 20 also serves to hold objects which are to be combined with the objects conveyed by the first revolver 19.
  • the revolvers 19 and 20 are thus parts of a very compact merging unit 10.
  • the revolver 19 in pockets 21 receives the slider 12 with the cigarettes, while sleeves 11 for receiving the slider 12 in holders 22 of the revolver 20 are transported.
  • the two revolvers 19 and 20 rotate continuously and at the same speed, so that pockets 21 and holder 22 are axially opposite one another.
  • the merging takes place in such a way that the slides 12 are pushed out of the pockets 21 in the axial direction by plungers 23 and inserted into the open sleeves 11 in the holders 22 of the turret 20. Accordingly, during the rotation of the revolvers 19, 20, the slide 12 takes place axially.
  • the pockets 21 of the revolver 19 mentioned in the present case consist only of two lateral U-shaped side walls 24 and 25 (FIG. 2).
  • a side wall 24 is arranged stationary, while the side wall 25 is part of a pivot lever 26. This is rotatably mounted between stops 27 on a support rod 28.
  • a plurality of support rods 28 are arranged concentrically to the main axis 18 at a distance from it.
  • the movable side wall 25 can be retracted by corresponding movement of the pivot lever 26.
  • This opening and closing movement of the pocket 21 or the pivot lever 26 can be controlled by an extension 29 of the pivot lever 26.
  • the support rods 28 run along a circular path around the main axis 18. During this cycle, the opening and closing movements of the pocket 21 are derived from the control groove 31 by the feeler roller 30.
  • Guide rods 33 are arranged at a distance from and parallel to the support rods 28. These and the support rods 28 each serve to slide the tappet 23 or a leg 34 of the same. The plunger 23 can thus only be moved in the axial direction on the support rod 28 and the guide rod 33.
  • the end of the leg 34 is equipped with a feeler roller 35 which is formed in a control groove 36 on the circumference of a control cylinder 37.
  • This control cylinder 37 is also firmly mounted on the main axis 18.
  • the plunger 23 or its plunger head 38 are dimensioned such that this part can be moved between the side walls 24 and 25 of the pocket 21.
  • the turret 20 is formed by a turret disk 39 which is rotatably mounted on the main axis 18.
  • the holders 22 are formed on the outer circumference of the turret disk 39 in the same arrangement and relative position.
  • these consist of a bearing base 40, which is attached directly to the turret disk 39 and serves to receive, namely, to apply the objects in question, in the present case the sleeves 11.
  • a radially outward surface of the bearing base 40 is equipped with suction bores 41 which are connected to a central vacuum source via suction lines 42.
  • the angled suction lines 42 of each bearing base 40 lead to a ring line 43 of a fixed counter disc 44 which bears against the turret disc 39.
  • the counter disc 44 is in turn arranged fixed on the main axis 18.
  • the counter disc 44 also forms the lateral end of the merging unit 10 on this side.
  • the brackets 22 each have a side limiter 45 which can be moved in the radial direction relative to the bearing pedestals 40 and has two support legs 46 and 47.
  • the movements are each transmitted by a push rod 48 which, with a traction roller 49 at one angled end, into a control groove 50 of the counter disk 44 entry. This is designed so that the side delimiters 45 are moved radially outwards or inwards during the rotation of the turret 20.
  • the push rods 48 are each guided in a bearing piece 51 of the turret disk 39.
  • the support legs 46, 47 can be withdrawn completely inwards (lower region of FIG. 3), so that the outward-facing surfaces of the bearing pedestal 40 are exposed for receiving objects. It is therefore possible to accommodate objects whose transverse dimensions are greater than the distance between the support legs 46, 47. This is the case here when the sleeves 11 are fed to the bearing bases 40 in a flattened shape and are received by them. Only after the sleeve 11 has been erected into a three-dimensional, namely cuboid shape, the side delimiters 45 are moved radially outward and now include the object, namely the sleeve 11, with the support legs 46, 47 also in the region of the sides.
  • the (immovable) side walls 24 of the pockets 21 of the turret 19 are also attached to the turret disk 39.
  • the sleeves 11 are each assigned a circumferential insertion aid.
  • This consists of four corner guides 52 which are pivotally mounted in the region of the corners of the sleeve 11 on the inlet side thereof. Pivot axes 53 for these corner guides 52 are arranged in a corner, so that the corner guides 52 can be pivoted from a pivoted-back position into the corners of the sleeve 11 (see FIGS. 9 and 10).
  • the entry movement of the corner guides 52 into the mouth of the sleeve 11 consists of a superimposed pivoting movement and axial movement. The former is carried out by the slide 12 itself which is moved past the corner guides 52.
  • a hereby synchronous movement of the corner guides 52 in the axial direction into the sleeve 11 is brought about by a carrier 54 which is connected to the guide rod 33 which can be moved in the axial direction.
  • the movement is controlled in that the carrier 54, with a feeler roller 55 arranged at the lower or radially inner end, enters an associated control groove 56 on the outer circumference of the control disk 32.
  • the carrier 54 is otherwise slidably supported on the support rod 28 and thereby guided for exclusive axial movements.
  • the movements of the individual moving parts of the merging unit 10 are effected by a common drive.
  • This consists here of a drive wheel 57 mounted on the main axis 18, to which a drive disk 58, which is also connected with a rotating wheel, is connected.
  • the drive disk 58 is fixedly connected to the turret disk 39 acting as a counterpart by the axially parallel support rods 28.
  • the ends of the guide rods 33 are mounted so that they can slide in an axially displaceable manner both in the drive disk 58 and in the turret disk 39.
  • a transfer device for objects is now also assigned to the second revolver 20.
  • This is a rocker arm 16, which is used here to insert sleeves 11 that have been folded flat into the revolver 20.
  • the rocker 16 is provided with a flat receptacle 100 for receiving the sleeves 11.
  • the exact relative position of the sleeve 11 on this receptacle 100 is determined by a limitation 101.
  • the rocker 16 is directed essentially tangentially to the turret 20 (see in particular FIG. 3).
  • the movement of the rocker 16 is such that the sleeve 11 is fed in the radial direction to the turret 20 or the bearing base 40 of a holder 22 in the radial direction with simultaneous movement in the direction of the revolving turret 20.
  • This superimposed movement is achieved in that the ends of the rocker 16 are each connected to a rocker arm 102 and a crank 103.
  • the movements are dimensioned so that the aforementioned movement is carried out.
  • the rocker 16 In the position facing away from the turret 20, the rocker 16 is loaded with a sleeve 11.
  • the transfer of the same to the turret 20 takes place by placing it on the bearing base 40, which immediately detects and takes the sleeve 11 through the suction bore 41.
  • the sleeves 11 are inserted into the turret 20 lying flat together.
  • an uprighting into the cuboid end position is required.
  • an erector 17 is assigned to the turret 20 in the present exemplary embodiment (FIG. 11). This is mounted coaxially with the turret 20, namely rotatably on an axis end 104 in the extension of the main axis 18 (see FIG. 4).
  • the erector 17 consists of a support bracket 105 rotatably mounted on the axle end 104. This is driven back and forth by a drive linkage 106.
  • the drive linkage 106 engages at a distance from the axle end 104, ie at a distance from the pivot bearing of the support bracket 105, in a pivot bearing 107 on the support bracket 105.
  • the erector 17 is designed such that two holders 22 of the revolver 20 or two sleeves 11 accommodated in them are erected simultaneously.
  • the erector 17 is equipped with two jointly driven lifting arms 108, 109.
  • a suction head 110, 111 is arranged at the radially outer end of each lifting arm 108, 109. This is brought up to a respective outer wall 112 of the sleeve 11 and fixed by suction air.
  • the sleeve 11 is accordingly held by suction air on the one hand on the bearing base 40 and on the other hand by the suction head 110 or 111.
  • the lifting arms 108, 109 and with them the suction heads 110, 111 execute a semicircular pivoting movement corresponding to the process of erecting the sleeve 11.
  • the sleeve 11 is first deformed into the erected position and then “broken” over it. Thereafter, the desired, upright cuboid shape of the sleeve 11 is restored.
  • the lifting arms 108, 109 are connected to a common transmission via parallelogram plates 113, 114.
  • This consists of a main wheel 115 (gear wheel) and auxiliary wheels 116 (also gear wheels) meshing with it.
  • the parallelogram tabs 113, 114 are each firmly connected to such an auxiliary wheel 116.
  • Rotational movements of the main wheel 115 are transmitted via the auxiliary wheels 116 to all parallelogram plates 113, 114 and from these to the lifting arms 108, 109, in the sense that the described movement of the suction heads 110, 111 is carried out.
  • the suction heads 110, 111 or the suction surfaces thereof facing the wall 112 perform a parallel movement.
  • the main wheel 115 is driven separately, specifically via a coupling 117 which is connected to the end of a crank rod 118.
  • the opposite end of the crank rod 118 drives the main wheel 115 and for this purpose is articulated off-center on a crank arm 119 of the main wheel 115.
  • the end of the crank rod 118 facing the coupling 117 is connected to an intermediate member 120, which in turn is carried by the pivot bearing 107.
  • FIGS. 12 to 17 The individual movement phases of the erector 17 are shown schematically in FIGS. 12 to 17.
  • FIG. 12 shows the starting position in which the suction heads 110, 111 are driven towards the wall 112 by two sleeves 11 that are still folded flat.
  • the erector 17 now rotates with the revolver 20 along a section.
  • the lifting arms 108, 109 are moved in the manner described, as a result of which the sleeve 11 is erected from the initially flat position via an oblique intermediate position according to FIG. 13 into the cuboid position according to FIG. 14.
  • the movements of the erector 17 go beyond the position shown in FIG. 14, namely over an (opposite) inclined position according to FIG. 15 into an upper end position according to FIG. 16.
  • the sleeve 11 is again compressed flat as in FIG. 12, but in the opposite position.
  • the sleeve 11 is overstretched or “broken” in the region of the edges. If the suction heads 110, 111 now detach from the wall 112 of the sleeve 11 (FIG. 17), the sleeve 11 straightens up into the desired cuboid position due to the material separation. When the turret 20 is moved further, the side limiters 45 are moved into the radially outer position and now secure the cuboid shape of the sleeve 11 with the support legs 46, 47. The erector 17 returns to the starting position according to FIG. 12.
  • the simultaneous erection of two sleeves 11 makes it possible to adjust the movements of the erector 17 to the relatively high rotational speed of the revolver 20.
  • the turret 20 has moved further by a division corresponding to two heads 22 when the erector 17 returns to the starting position after a work cycle.
  • FIG. 12 the movement phases of the merging unit 10 are shown by hatched circular bars.
  • the segment 121 represents an area of approximately 40 ° in which the radial movement of the side delimiter 45 takes place.
  • the segment 122 - approximately 20 ° - corresponds to the infeed of the corner guides 52 into the working position relative to the sleeve 11.
  • the insertion process of the slide 12 into the sleeve 11 is outlined by the segment 123.
  • An ejector 124 is arranged at the end of the segment 123, through which the finished packs are ejected from the holders 22 and placed on a packing track 125.
  • the ejector 124 is in the present case with the swing arm 102 for the swing arm 16 on one common axis 126 mounted. This results in a simple construction of the device.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Wrapping Of Specific Fragile Articles (AREA)
  • Specific Conveyance Elements (AREA)
  • Container Filling Or Packaging Operations (AREA)
  • Supplying Of Containers To The Packaging Station (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum Einführen von Packungen in Taschen oder dergleichen eines mit einer abweichenden Geschwindigkeit zur Geschwindigkeit der zuzuführenden Packungen kontinuierlich umlaufenden Revolvers. Weiterhin betrifft die Erfindung eine Vorrichtung für die Zuführung bzw. Übergabe von einzeln oder diskontinuierlich von einem Förderer zugeführten Packungen an einen mit Taschen oder dergleichen versehenen Revolver. mit einer Übergabevorrichtung zur Beschleunigung der Packungen aus dem Stillstand auf die Umlaufgeschwindigkeit des kontinuierlich umlaufenden Revolvers und zur Übergabe der Packungen an die Taschen des Revolvers bei momentan gleicher Geschwindigkeit zum Revolver.The invention relates to a method for inserting packs into pockets or the like of a revolver which rotates continuously at a different speed to the speed of the packs to be fed. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for feeding or transferring packs fed individually or discontinuously from a conveyor to a turret provided with pockets or the like. with a transfer device for accelerating the packs from a standstill to the revolving speed of the continuously revolving revolver and for delivering the packs to the pockets of the revolver at the same speed as the revolver.

Ein derartiges Verfahren und eine entsprechende Vorrichtung sind bekannt aus der DE-A 19 09 777. Diese Schrift beschreibt ein Verfahren, bei dem zum Einführen von Packungen in die Taschen eines kontinuierlich umlaufenden Revolvers durch eine außerhalb des Revolvers angeordnete Übergabevorrichtung eine Beschleunigung der Packungen auf die Umfangsgeschwindigkeit des Revolvers erfolgt. Bei momentan gleicher Geschwindigkeit zwischen der zu übergebenden Packung und der jeweiligen Tasche des Revolvers wird die zu übergebende Packung in die Tasche des Revolvers eingestoßen. Die Vorrichtung zur Durchführung dieses bekannten Verfahrens verfügt über eine Übergabevorrichtung, die zur Beschleunigung der Packungen parallel zum Außenumfang des Revolvers um seine Drehachse herum bewegbar ist.Such a method and a corresponding device are known from DE-A 19 09 777. This document describes a method in which, for introducing packs into the pockets of a continuously revolving revolver, the packs are accelerated to a point by a transfer device arranged outside the revolver Circumferential speed of the revolver takes place. At the same speed at the moment between the package to be transferred and the respective pocket of the revolver, the package to be transferred is pushed into the pocket of the revolver. The device for carrying out this known method has a transfer device which can be moved around its axis of rotation to accelerate the packs parallel to the outer circumference of the revolver.

Dieses bekannte Verfahren und die zur Durchführung desselben dienende Vorrichtung haben den Nachteil, daß die Packung bei momentan gleicher Geschwindigkeit zum Revolver in die Tasche desselben eingestoßen werden muß. Dies erfordert einen weiteren Arbeitsschritt mit entsprechendem apparativen Aufwand.This known method and the device used to carry it out have the disadvantage that the pack has to be pushed into the pocket of the same at the same speed as the revolver. This requires a further step with the corresponding equipment.

Hiervon ausgehend liegt der Erfindung die Aufgabe zugrunde, die Übergabe von Packungen an einen kontinuierlich umlaufenden Revolver einer Verpackungsmaschine zu vereinfachen.Proceeding from this, the object of the invention is to simplify the transfer of packs to a continuously revolving revolver of a packaging machine.

Zur Lösung dieser Aufgabe werden beim erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren die zuzuführenden Packungen entlang einer an den Revolver heranführenden, als zum Revolver achsparallelen Kreisbahn ausgeführten Förderbahn durch ungleichförmig angetriebene Mitnehmertaschen aus dem Stillstand auf die Umfangsgeschwindigkeit des Revolvers beschleunigt, wobei die Förderbahn wenigstens im Bereich der Übergabe der Packungen an den Revolver in die Umlaufbahn des Revolvers bzw. der Taschen desselben eintritt, derart, daß die Packungen bei momentan gleicher Geschwindigkeit zum Revolver unmittelbar von dessen Taschen übernommen werden.To achieve this object, in the method according to the invention, the packs to be fed are accelerated from a standstill to the circumferential speed of the revolver along a conveying path leading to the revolver and designed as a circular path parallel to the revolver, from stationary, to the circumferential speed of the revolver, the conveying path being at least in the area of the transfer of the packs the revolver enters the orbit of the revolver or the pockets of the same, in such a way that the packs are immediately taken over by the pockets of the revolver at the same speed as the revolver.

Nach dem Erfindungsgedanken wird demnach die in den kontinuierlich umlaufenden Revolver einzubringende Packung in eine (Zwischen-)Förderbahn gebracht, in der die Packung auf die Umlaufgeschwindigkeit des Revolvers beschleunigt und dann unmittelbar in eine der Taschen des Revolvers eingelegt wird.According to the concept of the invention, the pack to be introduced into the continuously revolving revolver is brought into an (intermediate) conveyor track in which the pack is accelerated to the revolving speed of the revolver and is then placed directly into one of the pockets of the revolver.

Die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung ist zur Lösung der vorgenannten Aufgabe durch folgende Merkmale gekennzeichnet:

  • a) die Übergabevorrichtung besteht aus einer Förderbahn und aus mehreren Gruppen von jeweils mehreren Mitnehmertaschen, die derart ungleichförmig umlaufend antreibbar sind, daß jeweils eine Mitnehmertasche der aufeinanderfolgenden Gruppen eine Packung vom Förderer übernimmt und entlang der Förderbahn transportiert,
  • b) die Förderbahn ist als zum Revolver achsparallele Kreisbahn ausgebildet,
  • c) die Förderbahn tritt wenigstens im Bereich der Übergabe der Packungen an den Revolver in die Umlaufbahn desselben bzw. der Taschen ein, derart, daß die Packungen bei momentan gleicher Geschwindigkeit mit dem Revolver unmittelbar von einer Tasche übernommen werden.
The device according to the invention is characterized by the following features in order to achieve the aforementioned object:
  • a) the transfer device consists of a conveyor track and of several groups of several driver pockets each, which can be driven in a non-uniform manner all round so that one driver pocket of the successive groups takes over a package from the conveyor and transports it along the conveyor path,
  • b) the conveyor path is designed as a circular path parallel to the axis of the turret,
  • c) the conveyor track enters the orbit of the bag or bag at least in the area of the transfer of the packs to the revolver, such that the packs are taken over directly from a bag with the revolver at the same speed at the moment.

Die Erfindung bezieht sich weiterhin auf Maßnahmen zur Handhabung der Gegenstände auf bzw. an dem Revolver nach Übergabe an diesen. Hier geht es um das Problem, Gegenstände während des Umlaufs des Revolvers zusammenzuführen und zu vereinigen, insbesondere den Inhalt einer Packung in diese einzuführen. Erfindungsgemäß wird dabei so vorgegangen, daß die zusammenzuführenden Gegenstände gleichachsig und mit gleicher Geschwindigkeit je längs koaxialer Kreisbahnen gleichen Durchmessers gefördert und durch Axialverschiebung wenigstens eines der Gegenstände miteinander vereinigt werden (vgl. EP-A-0 003 573). Die entsprechende Vorrichtung ist durch die konstruktiven Merkmale gemäß Anspruch 10 gekennzeichnet.The invention further relates to measures for handling the objects on or on the revolver after transfer to it. The problem here is to bring together and unite objects during the revolver's revolution, in particular to insert the contents of a pack into them. The procedure according to the invention is such that the objects to be brought together are conveyed coaxially and at the same speed, each along coaxial circular paths of the same diameter, and at least one of the objects is combined with one another by axial displacement (cf. EP-A-0 003 573). The corresponding device is characterized by the design features according to claim 10.

Die Erfindung kann mit besonderen Vorteilen bei der Herstellung von Zigaretten-Packungen des Typs « Schieber und Hülse » eingesetzt werden.The invention can be used with particular advantages in the production of cigarette packs of the "pusher and sleeve" type.

Ein Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung wird nachfolgend anhand der Zeichnungen näher erläutertAn embodiment of the device according to the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings

Es zeigen :

  • Figur 1 eine Zigarettenpackung des Typs « Schieber und Hülse » in perspektivischer Darstellung,
  • Figur 2 einen Teil der Vorrichtung zum Zusammenführen von Gegenständen, insbesondere Schieber und Hülse einer Packung gemäß Fig. 1, in stark vereinfachter Seitenansicht,
  • Figur 3 eine Ansicht entsprechend Fig. 2 mit anderen Details der Vorrichtung, in etwas vergrößertem Maßstab,
  • Figur 4 eine Längsansicht, teilweise im Schnitt, der Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 2 und 3,
  • Figur 5 eine Einzelheit der Vorrichtung, nämlich eine Übergabevorrichtung für Gegenstände, insbesondere Packungsteile, in Seitenansicht, teilweise im Schnitt,
  • Figur 6 die Übergabevorrichtung gemäß Fig. 5 in Längsansicht, teilweise im Längsschnitt,
  • Figur 7 eine Vorrichtung zum Zuführen von Gegenständen an die Übergabevorrichtung gemäß Fig. 5 und 6, nämlich eine Hubvorrichtung, im Querschnitt,
  • Figur 8 einen Schnitt VIII-VIII in Fig. 5,
  • Figur 9 eine Einzelheit aus der Darstellung gemäß Fig. 4, in vergrößertem Maßstab,
  • Figur 10 ein Detail aus Fig. 9 in einer um 90° versetzten Ansicht, in nochmals vergrößertem Maßstab,
  • Figur 11 Einzelheiten der Vorrichtung, nämlich eine Schwinge zur Übergabe von Gegenständen an einen Revolver sowie einen Packungsaufrichter unter Weglassung von weiteren Einzelheiten der Vorrichtung in Seitenansicht,
  • Figur 12 bis 17 verschiedene Stellungen des Aufrichters in vereinfachter Darstellung, in Seitenansicht.
Show it :
  • FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a “slide and sleeve” type cigarette pack,
  • FIG. 2 shows a part of the device for bringing together objects, in particular slide and sleeve of a pack according to FIG. 1, in a greatly simplified side view,
  • 3 shows a view corresponding to FIG. 2 with other details of the device, on a somewhat enlarged scale,
  • FIG. 4 shows a longitudinal view, partly in section, of the device according to FIGS. 2 and 3,
  • FIG. 5 shows a detail of the device, namely a transfer device for objects, in particular packaging parts, in a side view, partly in section,
  • FIG. 6 shows the transfer device according to FIG. 5 in a longitudinal view, partly in a longitudinal section,
  • FIG. 7 shows a device for feeding objects to the transfer device according to FIGS. 5 and 6, namely a lifting device, in cross section,
  • FIG. 8 shows a section VIII-VIII in FIG. 5,
  • FIG. 9 shows a detail from the illustration according to FIG. 4, on an enlarged scale,
  • FIG. 10 shows a detail from FIG. 9 in a view offset by 90 °, on a further enlarged scale,
  • 11 details of the device, namely a rocker for transferring objects to a revolver and a pack erector, omitting further details of the device in a side view,
  • Figure 12 to 17 different positions of the erector in a simplified representation, in side view.

Die in den Zeichnungen dargestellte Vorrichtung besteht aus mehreren zusammenwirkenden Einzelaggregaten, die untereinander optimal zusammenwirken, aber auch in anderem Zusammenhang einsetzbar sind. Durch ein Zusammenführungsaggregat 10 können bei kontinuierlichem Bewegungsablauf Gegenstände miteinander vereinigt werden. Im vorliegenden Fall sind diese Gegenstände eine Hülse 11 einerseits und ein gefüllter Schieber 12 einer in Fig. 1 als Beispiel gezeigten Zigarettenpackung des Typs « Schieber und Hülse ». Eine Übergabevorrichtung 13 dient der Zuführung von Gegenständen - im vorliegenden Fall des gefüllten Schiebers 12 - zu einem kontinuierlich umlaufenden Revolver 19. Dieser Übergabevorrichtung 13 ist eine Hubvorrichtung 14 vorgeordnet, durch die Gegenstände von einem im vorliegenden Falle geradlinig verlaufenden Förderer 15 an die Hubvorrichtung 14 übergeben werden.The device shown in the drawings consists of several interacting Individual units that work together optimally, but can also be used in other contexts. Objects can be combined with one another in a continuous movement sequence by means of a merging unit 10. In the present case, these objects are a sleeve 11 on the one hand and a filled slide 12 of a cigarette pack of the type “slide and sleeve” shown as an example in FIG. 1. A transfer device 13 is used to feed objects - in the present case the filled slide 12 - to a continuously revolving revolver 19. This transfer device 13 is preceded by a lifting device 14, through which objects are transferred from a conveyor 15, which in the present case is straight, to the lifting device 14 will.

Von besonderem Interesse ist die Übergabe der Gegenstände (hier mit Zigaretten versehene Schieber 12), die taktweise, also diskontinuierlich zugeführt werden, an den kontinuierlich umlaufenden Revolver 19. Zu diesem Zweck werden die Gegenstände bzw. die mit den Zigaretten versehenen Schieber 12 durch den als Kettenförderer ausgebildeten Förderer 15 zugeführt, und zwar aufeinanderfolgend, je durch einen Mitnehmer 59. Die Gegenstände (Schieber 12) werden dann durch einen Heber 60 der Hubvorrichtung 14 vom Förderer 15 abgehoben und der Übergabevorrichtung 13 zugeführt.Of particular interest is the transfer of the objects (here slide 12 provided with cigarettes), which are supplied intermittently, that is to say discontinuously, to the continuously revolving revolver 19. For this purpose, the objects or the slide 12 provided with cigarettes are moved by the as Chain conveyor trained conveyor 15 supplied, one after the other, each by a driver 59. The objects (slide 12) are then lifted by a lifter 60 of the lifting device 14 from the conveyor 15 and fed to the transfer device 13.

Die Übergabevorrichtung 13 besteht im vorliegenden Fall aus zwei Gruppen von Mitnehmertaschen 61. Die Ausbildung dieser Mitnehmertaschen 61 ist derart, daß an den Enden von einander gegenüberliegenden Stegen 62 jeweils aufrechte bzw. etwa in Radialrichtung weisende Zapfen 63 angeordnet sind. Je zwei dieser Zapfen 63 liegen an einander gegenüberliegenden Seiten der Gegenstände, nämlich der Schieber 12, an. Die beiden Stege 62 sind durch einen Querriegel 64 miteinander verbunden. Dieser wiederum sitzt am Ende eines radial gerichteten Förderarms 65 bzw. 66. Die Mitnehmertaschen 61 sind demnach seitlich und radial nach außen offen.The transfer device 13 in the present case consists of two groups of driver pockets 61. The configuration of these driver pockets 61 is such that at the ends of mutually opposite webs 62 there are arranged upright or pin 63 pointing approximately in the radial direction. Two of these pins 63 each rest on opposite sides of the objects, namely the slide 12. The two webs 62 are connected to one another by a cross bar 64. This in turn sits at the end of a radially directed conveyor arm 65 or 66. The driver pockets 61 are therefore open laterally and radially outwards.

Je drei mit gleichen Winkelabständen sternförmig miteinander verbundene Förderarme 65 einerseits und 66 andererseits bilden eine Einheit. Die Förderarme 65 einerseits und 66 andererseits sind je für sich drehbar über eine Nabe 67 bzw.68 auf einer Welle 69 gelagert. Die Förderarme 65, 66 und damit die Mitnehmertaschen 61 werden umlaufend ungleichförmig angetrieben, und zwar derart, daß bei der Aufnahme eines Gegenstands, also in der Stellung benachbart zur Hubvorrichtung 14, ein momentaner Stillstand des betreffenden Förderarms 65, 66 gegeben ist. Danach erfolgt eine Beschleunigung bis auf die Umfangsgeschwindigkeit des Revolvers 19 bzw. der Aufnahmetaschen 21 desselben. Durch die Verwendung von zwei unabhängig voneinander bewegberen Gruppen von Mitnehmertaschen 61 ist gewährleistet, daß Stillstand, Beschleunigung und momentaner Gleichlauf mit dem Revolver 19 in kurz aufeinanderfolgenden Bewegungsphasen und damit bei entsprechend hoher Leistungsfähigkeit der Maschine ablaufen können. Die Förderarme 65 bzw. 66 treten dabei mit ihren Mitnehmertaschen 61 aufeinanderfolgend in die Positionen der Übernahme und Abgabe eines Gegenstands. Während demnach ein Förderarm 65 zum Stillstand gebracht ist, wird ein anderer Förderarm 66 auf die Umlaufgeschwindigkeit der Taschen 21 beschleunigt.Three conveyor arms 65, on the one hand, and 66, on the other hand, which are connected in a star shape with the same angular spacing, form a unit. The conveyor arms 65 on the one hand and 66 on the other hand are each rotatably supported on a shaft 69 via a hub 67 and 68, respectively. The conveyor arms 65, 66 and thus the driving pockets 61 are driven non-uniformly all round, in such a way that when an object is picked up, that is to say in the position adjacent to the lifting device 14, the conveyor arm 65, 66 in question comes to a standstill. This is then accelerated to the peripheral speed of the revolver 19 or the receiving pockets 21 of the same. The use of two groups of driving pockets 61 which can be moved independently of one another ensures that standstill, acceleration and instantaneous synchronization with the turret 19 can take place in short successive movement phases and thus with a correspondingly high performance of the machine. The conveyor arms 65 and 66 step with their driver pockets 61 in succession into the positions of picking up and delivering an object. Accordingly, while a conveyor arm 65 is brought to a standstill, another conveyor arm 66 is accelerated to the rotational speed of the pockets 21.

Beiden Gruppen von Förderarmen 65 und 66 ist ein gemeinsamer Antrieb zugeordnet. Zu diesem Zweck ist auf der Welle 69 ein zweiarmiges Trieborgan 70 fest montiert. Dieses mit der Welle 69 umlaufende Trieborgan 70 ist an den Enden jeweils mit einem Lager 71 für einen Triebzapfen 72 versehen. Dieser achsparallel gerichtete Triebzapfen 72 ist an einem Schenkelstück 73 mit einer Tastrolle 74 versehen, die in eine Steuernut 75 einer drehbar auf der Welle 69 gelagerten Steuerscheibe 76 eintritt.A common drive is assigned to both groups of conveyor arms 65 and 66. For this purpose, a two-armed drive member 70 is fixedly mounted on the shaft 69. This drive element 70, which rotates with the shaft 69, is provided at the ends with a bearing 71 for a drive pin 72. This axially parallel drive pin 72 is provided on a leg piece 73 with a feeler roller 74 which enters a control groove 75 of a control disk 76 rotatably mounted on the shaft 69.

Durch die Steuerbewegungen der Tastrolle 74 wird der Triebzapfen 72 über das Schenkelstück 73 in Drehbewegungen während des Umlaufs des Trieborgans 70 versetzt.Due to the control movements of the feeler roller 74, the drive pin 72 is set in rotary movements via the leg piece 73 during the rotation of the drive member 70.

Am gegenüberliegenden Ende des Triebzapfens 72 ist eine quer, also radial gerichtete Führungsgabel 77 angebracht. In deren Schlitz 78 läuft eine am Förderarm 65 bzw. 66 gelagerte Mitnehmerrolle 79.At the opposite end of the drive pin 72 a transverse, that is radially directed guide fork 77 is attached. A driver roller 79 mounted on the conveyor arm 65 or 66 runs in the slot 78 thereof.

Auf die Förderarme 65, 66 wird demnach ein Antrieb übertragen. der sich einerseits aus der Bewegung des kontinuierlich umlaufenden Trieborgans 70 und zum anderen aus den sich damit überlagernden Bewegungen des Triebzapfens 72 ergibt.A drive is accordingly transmitted to the conveyor arms 65, 66. which results on the one hand from the movement of the continuously rotating drive element 70 and on the other hand from the movements of the drive pin 72 which overlap therewith.

Die Mitnehmertaschen 61 sind an den Enden der Förderarme 65, 66 derart angeordnet, daß diese Mitnehmertaschen 61 bei nebeneinander gelagerten Förderarmen 65, 66 in einer Ebene liegen. Gleiches gilt für die Mitnehmerrollen 79.The carrier pockets 61 are arranged at the ends of the conveyor arms 65, 66 in such a way that these carrier pockets 61 lie in one plane when the conveyor arms 65, 66 are arranged next to one another. The same applies to the driver rollers 79.

Die Gegenstände, nämlich Schieber 12, werden längs einer kreisbogenförmigen, ortsfesten Förderbahn 80 durch die Mitnehmertaschen 61 bewegt. Die Förderbahn 80 besteht aus zwei seitlichen, etwa viertelkreisbogenförmigen Winkelstücken 81, 82. Auf den unteren Schenkeln dieser Winkelstücke 81, 82 liegen die Gegenstände mit ihren Enden auf.The objects, namely slide 12, are moved along an arc-shaped, stationary conveyor track 80 through the driving pockets 61. The conveyor track 80 consists of two lateral, approximately quarter-circle-shaped angle pieces 81, 82. The ends of the objects rest on the lower legs of these angle pieces 81, 82.

Die Förderbahn 80 führt unmittelbar an den Revolver 19 heran. Die Förderbahn 80 endet in der Bewegungsbahn der Taschen 21 des Revolvers 19. Die Winkelstücke 81, 82 verlaufen dabei zu beiden Seiten deiser Taschen 21 (siehe Fig. 8). Dadurch können die Gegenstände von den Taschen 21 ohne Seitwärtsbewegung übernommen werden. Die Taschen 21 bzw. deren Seitenwände 24, 25 treten dabei in den Bereich zwischen den Zapfen 62 der Mitnehmertaschen 61 ein.The conveyor track 80 leads directly to the turret 19. The conveyor track 80 ends in the path of movement of the pockets 21 of the revolver 19. The angle pieces 81, 82 run on both sides of these pockets 21 (see FIG. 8). As a result, the objects can be picked up from the pockets 21 without sideways movement. The pockets 21 or their side walls 24, 25 enter the area between the pins 62 of the driving pockets 61.

Die Gegenstände, nämlich Schieber 12, werden durch einen Heber 83 der Hubvorrichtung 14 vom Förderer 15 abgehoben und von unten her in eine nach unten offene Mitnehmertasche 61 der Übergabevorrichtung 13 eigenführt. Der Heber 83 besteht aus einer Auflagerfläche 84, die auf der den ankommenden Gegenständen zugekehrten Seite offen ist, so daß die Gegenstände durch die Mitnehmer 59 des Förderers 15 auf den Heber 83 transportiert werden können. Auf der gegenüberliegenden Seite erhalten die Gegenstände Anlage an einem Anschlag 85, der damit die exakte Relativstellung des Gegenstands auf dem Heber 83 bestimmt.The objects, namely slide 12, are lifted from the conveyor 15 by a lifter 83 of the lifting device 14 and are guided from below into a carrier pocket 61 of the transfer device 13 which is open at the bottom. The jack 83 consists of a bearing surface 84 which on the the incoming objects facing side is open so that the objects can be transported by the driver 59 of the conveyor 15 on the jack 83. On the opposite side, the objects rest against a stop 85, which thus determines the exact relative position of the object on the lifter 83.

Der Heber 83 wird nun in Aufwärtsrichtung parallel verschoben, und zwar auf einer bogenförmigen Bewegungsbahn, die in Bewegungsrichtung des Förderers 15 sowie aufwärtsgerichtet ist. Die Gegenstände werden dadurch ohne abrupte Änderung der Bewegungsrichtung und damit schonend von dem Förderer 15 abgenommen.The lifter 83 is now displaced parallel in the upward direction, specifically on an arcuate movement path which is directed in the direction of movement of the conveyor 15 and upwards. The objects are thereby removed from the conveyor 15 without an abrupt change in the direction of movement and thus gently.

Der Heber 83 ist mit einem Winkelstück 86 an Parallelogrammlenkern 87 und 88 gelagert. Diese stellen durch Hin- und Herschwenken die schräg aufwärtsgerichtete Parallelverschiebung des Hebers 83 beziehungsweise der Auflagerfläche 84 sicher. Die weiterlaufenden Mitnehmer 59 sichern bei dieser Aufwärtsbewegung die Anlage der Gegenstände am Anschlag 85.The lifter 83 is supported by an angle piece 86 on parallelogram links 87 and 88. By pivoting back and forth, these ensure the obliquely upward parallel displacement of the lifter 83 or the bearing surface 84. During this upward movement, the continuing drivers 59 ensure that the objects abut against the stop 85.

Da im Bereich der Übergabe der Gegenstände an eine nach unten weisende Mitnehmertasche 61 die Winkelstücke 81 und 82 der Förderbahn 80 ohne die unteren, als Auflage für die Gegenstände dienenden Schenkel ausgebildet sind, bedarf es hier nach dem Einführen der Gegenstände in die Mitnehmertaschen 61 einer anderweitigen Stützung für die Gegenstände, bis diese durch Weiterbewegung der Mitnehmertasche 61 in den Bereich der Schenkel 89 gelangen. Zu diesem Zweck sind seitlich an den Gegenstand schwenkbare Halteleisten 90, 91 vorgesehen. Diese sind an den den Gegenständen zugekehrten Seiten mit einer Ausnehmung 92 versehen, die eine untere gewölbte Stützfläche 93 zur Auflagerung der Gegenstände aufweist. Halteleisten 90 und 91 sowie deren Stützfläche 93 sind in der Haltestellung so angeordnet, daß die Stützflächen 93 eine Ergänzung bzw. Verlängerung der Schenkel 89 der Winkelstücke 81 und 82 bilden. Der Heber 83 kann dadurch nach Einführung des Gegenstands in die Mitnehmertasche 61 unverzüglich in die Ausgangsstellung zurückkehren. Durch entsprechend synchrone Bewegung werden die Halteleisten 90 und 91 seitlich an den Gegenstand geschwenkt, wodurch die Stützflächen 93 den Gegenstand nach unten abstützen. Bei der nun einsetzenden Weiterbewegung der Mitnehmertasche 61 gelangt der Gegenstand von den Stützflächen 93 auf die anschließenden Schenkel 89 der Förderbahn 80.Since the angle pieces 81 and 82 of the conveyor track 80 are formed without the lower legs serving as supports for the objects in the area of the transfer of the objects to a downward driving pocket 61, a different one is required here after the objects have been inserted into the driving pockets 61 Support for the objects until they reach the region of the legs 89 by moving the driving pocket 61 further. For this purpose, holding strips 90, 91 which can be pivoted laterally to the object are provided. These are provided on the sides facing the objects with a recess 92 which has a lower arched support surface 93 for supporting the objects. Holding strips 90 and 91 and their support surface 93 are arranged in the holding position so that the support surfaces 93 form an extension or extension of the legs 89 of the angle pieces 81 and 82. The lifter 83 can thus return to the starting position immediately after the object has been introduced into the driving pocket 61. By means of a correspondingly synchronous movement, the holding strips 90 and 91 are pivoted laterally onto the object, as a result of which the support surfaces 93 support the object downward. When the driving pocket 61 begins to move further, the object passes from the support surfaces 93 onto the adjoining legs 89 of the conveyor track 80.

Die Halteleisten 90, 91 sind jeweils an zweiarmigen Hebeln 94 und 95 gelagert. Von diesen wird der Hebel 96 durch eine Schubstange 96 hin- und hergehend angetrieben. Die Bewegungen des Hebels 95 werden über ein Zwischenglied 97 mit Richtungsumkehr auf den winkelförmig ausgebildeten Heben 94 übertragen.The holding strips 90, 91 are each mounted on two-armed levers 94 and 95. Of these, the lever 96 is driven back and forth by a push rod 96. The movements of the lever 95 are transmitted via an intermediate member 97 with reversal of direction on the angularly shaped lifts 94.

Eine weitere Schubstange 98 dient dem Antrieb des Hebers 83 über eine Zwischenlasche 99. Die Hebel 94 und 95 sowie die Parallelogrammlenker 87, 88 und die Zwischenlasche 99 sind jeweils auf gleichen Achsen gelagert.Another push rod 98 is used to drive the jack 83 via an intermediate link 99. The levers 94 and 95 as well as the parallelogram link 87, 88 and the intermediate link 99 are each mounted on the same axles.

Gemäß Fig. 4 ist dem Revolver 19 ein zweiter Revolver 20 zugeordnet. Beide Revolver 19 und 20 sind auf einer gemeinsamen Hauptachse 18 drehbar gelagert. Auch der zweite Revolver 20 dient zur Aufnahme von Gegenständen, die mit den vom ersten Revolver 19 geförderten Gegenständen vereinigt werden sollen. Die Revolver 19 und 20 sind somit Teile eines sehr kompakten Zusammenführungsaggregats 10. Im vorliegenden Falle nimmt - wie bereits dargelegt - der der Revolver 19 in Taschen 21 die Schieber 12 mit den Zigaretten auf, während Hülsen 11 für die Aufnahme der Schieber 12 in Haltern 22 des Revolvers 20 transportiert werden. Die beiden Revolver 19 und 20 laufen kontinuierlich und mit gleicher Geschwindigkeit um, deart, daß Taschen 21 und Halter 22 in Axialrichtung einander gegenüberliegen. Die Zusammenführung erfolgt derart, daß die Schieber 12 durch Stößel 23 aus den Taschen 21 in Axialrichtung ausgestoßen und in die offenen Hülsen 11 in den Haltern 22 des Revolvers 20 eingeschoben werden. Während des Umlaufs der Revolver 19, 20 findet demnach eine Axialverschiebung der Schieber 12 statt.4, the turret 19 is assigned a second turret 20. Both revolvers 19 and 20 are rotatably mounted on a common main axis 18. The second revolver 20 also serves to hold objects which are to be combined with the objects conveyed by the first revolver 19. The revolvers 19 and 20 are thus parts of a very compact merging unit 10. In the present case, as already explained, the revolver 19 in pockets 21 receives the slider 12 with the cigarettes, while sleeves 11 for receiving the slider 12 in holders 22 of the revolver 20 are transported. The two revolvers 19 and 20 rotate continuously and at the same speed, so that pockets 21 and holder 22 are axially opposite one another. The merging takes place in such a way that the slides 12 are pushed out of the pockets 21 in the axial direction by plungers 23 and inserted into the open sleeves 11 in the holders 22 of the turret 20. Accordingly, during the rotation of the revolvers 19, 20, the slide 12 takes place axially.

Die erwähnten Taschen 21 des Revolvers 19 bestehen im vorliegenden Fall lediglich aus zwei seitlichen U-förmigen Seitenwänden 24 und 25 (Fig. 2). Eine Seitenwand 24 ist dabei feststehend angeordnet, während die Seitenwand 25 Teil eines Schwenkhebels 26 ist. Dieser ist drehbar zwischen Anschlägen 27 auf einer Tragstange 28 gelagert. Entsprechend der Anzahl der Taschen 21 sind mehrere Tragstangen 28 konzentrisch zur Hauptachse 18 mit Abstand von dieser angeordnet.The pockets 21 of the revolver 19 mentioned in the present case consist only of two lateral U-shaped side walls 24 and 25 (FIG. 2). A side wall 24 is arranged stationary, while the side wall 25 is part of a pivot lever 26. This is rotatably mounted between stops 27 on a support rod 28. According to the number of pockets 21, a plurality of support rods 28 are arranged concentrically to the main axis 18 at a distance from it.

Zur Aufnahme der Gegenstände, nämlich Schieber 12, durch die Taschen 21 ist die bewegbare Seitenwand 25 durch entsprechende Bewegung des Schwenkhebels 26 zurückziehbar. Diese Öffnungs- und Schließbewegung der Tasche 21 bzw. des Schwenkhebels 26 ist durch eine Verlängerung 29 des Schwenkhebels 26 steuerbar. Diese tritt mit einer Tastrolle 30 in eine Steuernut 31 einer feststehenden, nämlich auf der Hauptachse 18 gelagerten Steuerscheibe 32 ein. Die Tragstangen 28 laufen längs einer kreisförmigen Bahn um die Hauptachse 18 um. Während dieses Umlaufs werden die Öffnungs- und Schließbewegungen der Tasche 21 durch die Tastrolle 30 von der Steuernut 31 abgeleitet.In order to receive the objects, namely slide 12, through the pockets 21, the movable side wall 25 can be retracted by corresponding movement of the pivot lever 26. This opening and closing movement of the pocket 21 or the pivot lever 26 can be controlled by an extension 29 of the pivot lever 26. This enters with a feeler roller 30 into a control groove 31 of a fixed control disk 32, namely on the main axis 18. The support rods 28 run along a circular path around the main axis 18. During this cycle, the opening and closing movements of the pocket 21 are derived from the control groove 31 by the feeler roller 30.

Mit Abstand von den Tragstangen 28 und parallel zu diesen sind Führungsstangen 33 angeordnet. Diese und die Tragstangen 28 dienen jeweils zur Gleitlagerung des Stößels 23 bzw. eines Schenkels 34 desselben. Der Stößel 23 ist dadurch ausschließlich in Axialrichtung auf der Tragstange 28 und der Führungsstange 33 verschiebbar.Guide rods 33 are arranged at a distance from and parallel to the support rods 28. These and the support rods 28 each serve to slide the tappet 23 or a leg 34 of the same. The plunger 23 can thus only be moved in the axial direction on the support rod 28 and the guide rod 33.

Zur Durchführung der gesteuerten Hin- und Herbewegungen des Stößels 23 ist das Ende des Schenkels 34 mit einer Tastrolle 35 ausgerüstet, die in einer Steuernut 36 am Umfang eines Steuerzylinders 37 gebildet ist. Dieser Steuerzylinder 37 ist ebenfalls fest auf der Hauptachse 18 gelagert. Der Stößel 23 bzw. dessen Stößelkopf 38 sind so bemessen, daß dieses Teil zwischen den Seitenwänden 24 und 25 der Tasche 21 bewegbar ist.To carry out the controlled back and forth movements of the plunger 23, the end of the leg 34 is equipped with a feeler roller 35 which is formed in a control groove 36 on the circumference of a control cylinder 37. This control cylinder 37 is also firmly mounted on the main axis 18. The plunger 23 or its plunger head 38 are dimensioned such that this part can be moved between the side walls 24 and 25 of the pocket 21.

Der Revolver 20 wird durch eine Revolverscheibe 39 gebildet, die drehbar auf der Hauptachse 18 gelagert ist. Am Außenumfang der Revolverscheibe 39 werden in gleicher Anordnung und Relativstellung die Halter 22 gebildet. Diese bestehen im vorliegenden Fall aus einem Lagersockel 40, der unmittelbar an der Revolverscheibe 39 angebracht ist und zur Aufnahme, nämlich Anlage der betreffenden Gegenstände, im vorliegenden Fall der Hülsen 11, dient. Eine radial nach außen gerichtete Fläche der Lagersockel 40 ist mit Saugbohrungen 41 ausgerüstet, die über Saugleitungen 42 an eine zentrale Unterdruckquelle angeschlossen sind. Wie aus Fig. 4 ersichtlich, führen die abgewinkelten Saugleitungen 42 jedes Lagersockels 40 an eine Ringleitung 43 einer an der Revolverscheibe 39 anliegenden, feststehenden Gegenscheibe 44. Diese ist weiderum feststehend auf der Hauptachse 18 angeordnet. Die Gegenscheibe 44 bildet zugleich den seitlichen Abschluß des Zusammenführungsaggregates 10 auf dieser Seite.The turret 20 is formed by a turret disk 39 which is rotatably mounted on the main axis 18. The holders 22 are formed on the outer circumference of the turret disk 39 in the same arrangement and relative position. In the present case, these consist of a bearing base 40, which is attached directly to the turret disk 39 and serves to receive, namely, to apply the objects in question, in the present case the sleeves 11. A radially outward surface of the bearing base 40 is equipped with suction bores 41 which are connected to a central vacuum source via suction lines 42. As can be seen from FIG. 4, the angled suction lines 42 of each bearing base 40 lead to a ring line 43 of a fixed counter disc 44 which bears against the turret disc 39. The counter disc 44 is in turn arranged fixed on the main axis 18. The counter disc 44 also forms the lateral end of the merging unit 10 on this side.

Zu den Haltern 22 gehört jeweils ein in Radialrichtung relativ zu den Lagersockeln 40 bewegbarer Seitenbegrenzer 45 mit zwei Stützschenkeln 46 und 47. Die Bewegungen werden jeweils durch eine Schubstange 48 übertragen, die mit einer Tastrolle 49 an einem abgewinkelten Ende in eine Steuernut 50 der Gegenscheibe 44 eintritt. Diese ist so gestaltet, daß während des Umlaufs des Revolvers 20 die Seitenbegrenzer 45 in Radialrichtung nach außen oder innen bewegt werden. Die Schubstangen 48 sind jeweils in einem Lagerstück 51 der Revolverscheibe 39 geführt.The brackets 22 each have a side limiter 45 which can be moved in the radial direction relative to the bearing pedestals 40 and has two support legs 46 and 47. The movements are each transmitted by a push rod 48 which, with a traction roller 49 at one angled end, into a control groove 50 of the counter disk 44 entry. This is designed so that the side delimiters 45 are moved radially outwards or inwards during the rotation of the turret 20. The push rods 48 are each guided in a bearing piece 51 of the turret disk 39.

Durch die Beweglichkeit der Seitenbegrenzer 45 können die Stützschenkel 46, 47 völlig nach innen zurückgezogen werden (Fig. 3 unterer Bereich), so daß die nach Außen gerichteten Flächen der Lagersockel 40 zur Aufnahme von Gegenständen freiliegen. Deshalb ist es möglich, Gegenstände aufzunehmen, deren Querabmessungen größer sind als der Abstand zwischen den Stützschenkeln 46, 47. Dies ist hier der Fall, wenn die Hülsen 11 in flach zusammengedrückter Gestalt den Lagersockeln 40 zugeführt und von diesen aufgenommen werden. Erst nach dem Aufrichten der Hülse 11 in eine dreidimensionale, nämlich quaderförmige Gestalt werden die Seitenbegrenzer 45 radial nach außen bewegt und umfassen nun mit den Stützschenkeln 46, 47 den Gegenstand, nämlich die Hülse 11, auch im Bereich der Seiten.Due to the mobility of the side delimiters 45, the support legs 46, 47 can be withdrawn completely inwards (lower region of FIG. 3), so that the outward-facing surfaces of the bearing pedestal 40 are exposed for receiving objects. It is therefore possible to accommodate objects whose transverse dimensions are greater than the distance between the support legs 46, 47. This is the case here when the sleeves 11 are fed to the bearing bases 40 in a flattened shape and are received by them. Only after the sleeve 11 has been erected into a three-dimensional, namely cuboid shape, the side delimiters 45 are moved radially outward and now include the object, namely the sleeve 11, with the support legs 46, 47 also in the region of the sides.

An der Revolverscheibe 39 sind auch die (unbeweglichen) Seitenwände 24 der Taschen 21 des Revolvers 19 angebracht.The (immovable) side walls 24 of the pockets 21 of the turret 19 are also attached to the turret disk 39.

Um das Einführen des Schiebers 12 in die in Axialrichtung jeweils gegenüberliegende Hülse 11 zu erleichtern. ist den Hülsen 11 jeweils eine mitumlaufende Einführungshilfe zugeordnet. Diese besteht aus vier Eckführungen 52, die im Bereich der Ecken der Hülse 11 an deren Eintrittsseite schwenkbar gelagert sind. Schwenkachsen 53 für diese Eckführungen 52 sind übereck angeordnet, so daß die Eckführungen 52 aus einer zurückgeschwenkten Stellung in die Ecken der Hülse 11 geschwenkt werden können (siehe Fig. 9 und 10). Die Eintrittsbewegung der Eckführungen 52 in die Mündung der Hülse 11 besteht aus einer überlagerten Schwenkbewegung und Axialbewegung. Erstere wird durch den an den Eckführungen 52 vorbeibewegten Schieber 12 selbst ausgeführt. Eine hiermit synchrone Bewegung der Eckführungen 52 in Axialrichtung in die Hülse 11 wird durch einen Träger 54 bewirkt, der jeweils mit der in Axialrichtung bewegbaren Führungsstange 33 verbunden ist. Die Bewegung wird dadurch gesteuert, daß der Träger 54 mit einer am unteren bzw. radial innenliegenden Ende angeordnete Tastrolle 55 in eine zugeordnete Steuernut 56 am Außenumfang der Steuerscheibe 32 eintritt. Der Träger 54 ist im übrigen gleitbar auf der Tragstange 28 gelagert und dadurch für ausschließliche Axialbewegungen geführt.In order to facilitate the insertion of the slide 12 into the sleeve 11 which is respectively opposite in the axial direction. the sleeves 11 are each assigned a circumferential insertion aid. This consists of four corner guides 52 which are pivotally mounted in the region of the corners of the sleeve 11 on the inlet side thereof. Pivot axes 53 for these corner guides 52 are arranged in a corner, so that the corner guides 52 can be pivoted from a pivoted-back position into the corners of the sleeve 11 (see FIGS. 9 and 10). The entry movement of the corner guides 52 into the mouth of the sleeve 11 consists of a superimposed pivoting movement and axial movement. The former is carried out by the slide 12 itself which is moved past the corner guides 52. A hereby synchronous movement of the corner guides 52 in the axial direction into the sleeve 11 is brought about by a carrier 54 which is connected to the guide rod 33 which can be moved in the axial direction. The movement is controlled in that the carrier 54, with a feeler roller 55 arranged at the lower or radially inner end, enters an associated control groove 56 on the outer circumference of the control disk 32. The carrier 54 is otherwise slidably supported on the support rod 28 and thereby guided for exclusive axial movements.

Die Bewegungen der einzelnen beweglichen Teile des Zusammenführungsaggregats 10 werden durch einen gemeinsamen Antrieb bewirkt. Dieser besteht hier aus einem auf der Hauptachse 18 gelagerten Triebrad 57, mit dem eine ebenfalls mit umlaufende Antriebsscheibe 58 verbunden ist. Die Antriebsscheibe 58 ist durch die achsparallel verlaufenden Tragstangen 28 fest mit der als Gegenstück wirkenden Revolverscheibe 39 verbunden. Die Führungsstangen 33 sind mit ihren Enden sowohl in der Antriebsscheibe 58 als auch in der Revolverscheibe 39 axial verschiebbar gleitend gelagert. Das eine Vielzahl von Funktionen ausführende Zusammenführungsaggregat 10 ist somit sehr kompakt und übersichtlich gebaut.The movements of the individual moving parts of the merging unit 10 are effected by a common drive. This consists here of a drive wheel 57 mounted on the main axis 18, to which a drive disk 58, which is also connected with a rotating wheel, is connected. The drive disk 58 is fixedly connected to the turret disk 39 acting as a counterpart by the axially parallel support rods 28. The ends of the guide rods 33 are mounted so that they can slide in an axially displaceable manner both in the drive disk 58 and in the turret disk 39. The merging unit 10 performing a variety of functions is thus very compact and clearly constructed.

Dem zweiten Revolver 20 ist nun ebenfalls eine Übergabevorrichtung für Gegenstände zugeordnet. Es handelt sich dabei um eine Schwinge 16, die hier zum Einführen von flach zusammengelegten Hülsen 11 in den Revolver 20 dient. Die Schwinge 16 ist für die Aufnahme der Hülsen 11 mit einer flächenförmigen Aufnahme 100 versehen. Die exakte Relativstellung der Hülse 11 auf dieser Aufnahme 100 ist durch eine Begrenzung 101 bestimmt.A transfer device for objects is now also assigned to the second revolver 20. This is a rocker arm 16, which is used here to insert sleeves 11 that have been folded flat into the revolver 20. The rocker 16 is provided with a flat receptacle 100 for receiving the sleeves 11. The exact relative position of the sleeve 11 on this receptacle 100 is determined by a limitation 101.

Die Schwinge 16 ist im wesentlichen tangential zum Revolver 20 gerichtet (siehe insbesondere Fig. 3). Die Bewegung der Schwinge 16 ist derart, daß die Hülse 11 in Radialrichtung dem Revolver 20 beziehungsweise dem Lagersockel 40 eines Halters 22 in Radialrichtung bei gleichzeitiger Bewegung in Richtung des umlaufenden Revolvers 20 zugeführt wird. Diese überlagerte Bewegung wird dadurch erreicht, daß die Enden der Schwinge 16 jeweils mit einem Schwingarm 102 und einer Kurbel 103 verbunden sind. Die Bewegungen sind dabei so bemessen, daß die vorgenannte Bewegung ausgeführt wird. In der vom Revolver 20 abgekehrten Stellung erfolgt die Bechickung der Schwinge 16 mit einer Hülse 11. Die Übergabe derselben an den Revolver 20 erfolgt durch Anlegen an den Lagersockel 40, der durch die Saugbohrung 41 die Hülse 11 unverzüglich erfaßt und mitnimmt.The rocker 16 is directed essentially tangentially to the turret 20 (see in particular FIG. 3). The movement of the rocker 16 is such that the sleeve 11 is fed in the radial direction to the turret 20 or the bearing base 40 of a holder 22 in the radial direction with simultaneous movement in the direction of the revolving turret 20. This superimposed movement is achieved in that the ends of the rocker 16 are each connected to a rocker arm 102 and a crank 103. The movements are dimensioned so that the aforementioned movement is carried out. In the position facing away from the turret 20, the rocker 16 is loaded with a sleeve 11. The transfer of the same to the turret 20 takes place by placing it on the bearing base 40, which immediately detects and takes the sleeve 11 through the suction bore 41.

Wie voranstehend erläutert, werden die Hülsen 11 flach zusammenliegend in den Revolver 20 eingeführt. Für die Vereinigung der Hülse 11 mit dem Schieber 12 ist ein Aufrichten in die quaderförmige Endstellung erforderlich. Zu diesem Zweck ist bei dem vorliegenden Ausführungsbeispiel dem Revolver 20 ein Aufrichter 17 zugeordnet (Fig. 11). Dieser ist gleichachsig zum Revolver 20 gelagert, nämlich drehbar auf einem Achsende 104 in Verlängerung der Hauptachse 18 (siehe Fig. 4).As explained above, the sleeves 11 are inserted into the turret 20 lying flat together. For the union of the sleeve 11 with the slide 12, an uprighting into the cuboid end position is required. For this purpose, an erector 17 is assigned to the turret 20 in the present exemplary embodiment (FIG. 11). This is mounted coaxially with the turret 20, namely rotatably on an axis end 104 in the extension of the main axis 18 (see FIG. 4).

Der Aufrichter 17 besteht aus einer auf dem Achsende 104 drehbar gelagerten Traglasche 105. Diese wird durch ein Antriebegestänge 106 hin- und herschwingend angetrieben. Das Antriebsgestänge 106 greift mit Abstand vom Achsende 104, also mit Abstand vom Drehlager der Traglasche 105, in einem Schwenklager 107 an der Traglasche 105 an.The erector 17 consists of a support bracket 105 rotatably mounted on the axle end 104. This is driven back and forth by a drive linkage 106. The drive linkage 106 engages at a distance from the axle end 104, ie at a distance from the pivot bearing of the support bracket 105, in a pivot bearing 107 on the support bracket 105.

Der Aufrichter 17 ist so ausgebildet, daß zwei Halter 22 des Revolvers 20 beziehungsweise zwei in diesen aufgenommene Hülsen 11 gleichzeitig aufgerichtet werden. Zu diesem Zweck ist der Aufrichter 17 mit zwei gemeinsam angetriebenen Hubarmen 108, 109 ausgerüstet. Am radial außenliegenden Ende eines jeden Hubarms 108, 109 ist ein Saugkopf 110, 111 angeordnet. Dieser wird an eine jeweils außenliegende Wandung 112 der Hülse 11 herangeführt und durch Saugluft fixiert. Die Hülse 11 wird demnach durch Saugluft einerseits auf dem Lagersockel 40 und andererseits durch den Saugkopf 110 bzw. 111 gehalten.The erector 17 is designed such that two holders 22 of the revolver 20 or two sleeves 11 accommodated in them are erected simultaneously. For this purpose the erector 17 is equipped with two jointly driven lifting arms 108, 109. A suction head 110, 111 is arranged at the radially outer end of each lifting arm 108, 109. This is brought up to a respective outer wall 112 of the sleeve 11 and fixed by suction air. The sleeve 11 is accordingly held by suction air on the one hand on the bearing base 40 and on the other hand by the suction head 110 or 111.

Die Hubarme 108, 109 und mit diesen die Saugköpfe 110, 111 führen eine dem Vorgang des Aufrichtens der Hülse 11 entsprechende halbkreisförmige Schwenkbewegung aus. Dabei wird die Hülse 11 zunächst bis in die aufgerichtete Stellung verformt und dann über diese hinweg « überbrochen ». Danach wird die angestrebte, aufgerichtete quaderförmige Gestalt der Hülse 11 wieder hergestellt.The lifting arms 108, 109 and with them the suction heads 110, 111 execute a semicircular pivoting movement corresponding to the process of erecting the sleeve 11. The sleeve 11 is first deformed into the erected position and then “broken” over it. Thereafter, the desired, upright cuboid shape of the sleeve 11 is restored.

Zur Durchführung dieser Bewegung sind die Hubarme 108, 109 über Parallelogrammlaschen 113, 114 mit einem gemeinsamen Getriebe verbunden. Dieses besteht aus einem Hauptrad 115 (Zahnrad) und mit diesem kämmenden Hilfsrädern 116 (ebenfalls Zahnräder). Die Parallelogrammlaschen 113, 114 sind jeweils fest mit einem derartigen Hilfsrad 116 verbunden.To carry out this movement, the lifting arms 108, 109 are connected to a common transmission via parallelogram plates 113, 114. This consists of a main wheel 115 (gear wheel) and auxiliary wheels 116 (also gear wheels) meshing with it. The parallelogram tabs 113, 114 are each firmly connected to such an auxiliary wheel 116.

Drehbewegungen des Hauptrades 115 werden über die Hilfsräder 116 auf alle Parallelogrammlaschen 113, 114 und von diesen auf die Hubarme 108, 109 übertragen, und zwar in dem Sinne, daß die beschriebene Bewegung der Saugköpfe 110, 111 ausgeführt wird. Die Saugköpfe 110, 111 beziehungsweise die der Wandung 112 zugekehrten Saugflächen derselben führen dabei eine Paralielbewegung aus.Rotational movements of the main wheel 115 are transmitted via the auxiliary wheels 116 to all parallelogram plates 113, 114 and from these to the lifting arms 108, 109, in the sense that the described movement of the suction heads 110, 111 is carried out. The suction heads 110, 111 or the suction surfaces thereof facing the wall 112 perform a parallel movement.

Der Antrieb des Hauptrades 115 wird gesondert durchgeführt, und zwar über eine Koppel 117, die mit dem Ende einer Kurbelstange 118 verbunden ist. Das gegenüberliegende Ende der Kurbelstange 118 treibt das Hauptrad 115 an und ist zu diesem Zweck außermittig an einem Kurbelarm 119 des Häuptrades 115 angelenkt. Das der Koppel 117 zugekehrte Ende der Kurbelstange 118 ist mit einem Zwischenglied 120 verbunden, welches seinerseits durch das Schwenklager 107 getragen wird.The main wheel 115 is driven separately, specifically via a coupling 117 which is connected to the end of a crank rod 118. The opposite end of the crank rod 118 drives the main wheel 115 and for this purpose is articulated off-center on a crank arm 119 of the main wheel 115. The end of the crank rod 118 facing the coupling 117 is connected to an intermediate member 120, which in turn is carried by the pivot bearing 107.

Die einzelnen Bewegungsphasen des Aufrichters 17 sind schematisch in Fig. 12 bis 17 dargestellt.The individual movement phases of the erector 17 are shown schematically in FIGS. 12 to 17.

Fig. 12 zeigt die Ausgangsstellung, in der die Saugköpfe 110, 111 an die Wandung 112 von zwei noch flach zusammengelegten Hülsen 11 herangesteuert sind. Der Aufrichter 17 läuft nun im weiteren mit dem Revolver 20 längs eines Teilstücks um. Während dieser Bewegung werden die Hubarme 108, 109 in der beschriebenen Weise bewegt, wodurch die Hülse 11 aus der zunächst flachen Stellung über eine schiefe Zwischenstellung gemäß Fig. 13 in die quaderförmige Stellung gemäß Fig. 14 aufgerichtet wird. Die Bewegungen des Aufrichters 17 gehen jedoch über die Stellung gemäß Fig. 14 hinaus, und zwar über eine (entgegengesetzt) schiefe Stellung gemäß Fig. 15 in eine obere Endstellung gemäß Fig. 16. Hier ist die Hülse 11 wieder flach zusammengedrückt wie in Fig. 12, jedoch in der Gegenlage. Dadurch wird die Hülse 11 im Bereich der Kanten überdehnt beziehungsweise « überbrochen ». Wenn sich nun die Saugköpfe 110, 111 von der Wandung 112 der Hülse 11 lösen (Fig. 17), richtet sich die Hülse 11 infolge der Materialspennung in die erwünschte quaderförmige Stellung auf. Bei weiterer Bewegung des Revolvers 20 werden die Seitenbegrenzer 45 in die radial äußere Stellung bewegt und sichern nunmehr die quaderförmige Gestalt der Hülse 11 mit den Stützschenkeln 46, 47. Der Aufrichter 17 kehrt in die Ausgangsstellung gemäß Fig. 12 zurück.FIG. 12 shows the starting position in which the suction heads 110, 111 are driven towards the wall 112 by two sleeves 11 that are still folded flat. The erector 17 now rotates with the revolver 20 along a section. During this movement, the lifting arms 108, 109 are moved in the manner described, as a result of which the sleeve 11 is erected from the initially flat position via an oblique intermediate position according to FIG. 13 into the cuboid position according to FIG. 14. However, the movements of the erector 17 go beyond the position shown in FIG. 14, namely over an (opposite) inclined position according to FIG. 15 into an upper end position according to FIG. 16. Here the sleeve 11 is again compressed flat as in FIG. 12, but in the opposite position. As a result, the sleeve 11 is overstretched or “broken” in the region of the edges. If the suction heads 110, 111 now detach from the wall 112 of the sleeve 11 (FIG. 17), the sleeve 11 straightens up into the desired cuboid position due to the material separation. When the turret 20 is moved further, the side limiters 45 are moved into the radially outer position and now secure the cuboid shape of the sleeve 11 with the support legs 46, 47. The erector 17 returns to the starting position according to FIG. 12.

Durch die gleichzeitige Aufrichtung von zwei Hülsen 11 ist es möglich, die Bewegungen des Aufrichters 17 auf die verhältnismäßig hohe Umlaufgeschwindigkeit des Revolvers 20 einzurichten. Der Revolver 20 hat sich um eine zwei Haitern 22 entsprechende Teilung weiterbewegt, wenn der Aufrichter 17 nach einem Arbeitstakt in die Ausgangsstellung zurückkehrt.The simultaneous erection of two sleeves 11 makes it possible to adjust the movements of the erector 17 to the relatively high rotational speed of the revolver 20. The turret 20 has moved further by a division corresponding to two heads 22 when the erector 17 returns to the starting position after a work cycle.

In Fig. 12 sind durch schraffierte kreisbogenförmige Balken die Bewegungsphasen des Zusammenführungsaggregats 10 dargestellt.In FIG. 12, the movement phases of the merging unit 10 are shown by hatched circular bars.

Durch das Segment 121 wird ein etwa 40° betragender Bereich dargestellt, in dem die Radialbewegung des Seitenbegrenzers 45 vonstatten geht. Das Segment 122 - etwa 20° - entspricht der Zustellung der Eckführungen 52 in die Arbeitsposition gegenüber der Hülse 11. Schließlich wird durch das Segment 123 der Einschubvorgang des Schiebers 12 in die Hülse 11 umrissen.The segment 121 represents an area of approximately 40 ° in which the radial movement of the side delimiter 45 takes place. The segment 122 - approximately 20 ° - corresponds to the infeed of the corner guides 52 into the working position relative to the sleeve 11. Finally, the insertion process of the slide 12 into the sleeve 11 is outlined by the segment 123.

Am Ende des Segmentes 123 ist ein Auswerfer 124 angeordnet, durch den die fertigen Packungen aus den Haltern 22 ausgestoßen und auf eine Packungsbahn 125 gegeben werden. Der Auswerfer 124 ist im vorliegenden Fall mit dem Schwingarm 102 für die Schwinge 16 auf einer gemeinsamen Achse 126 gelagert. Dadurch ergibt sich ein einfacher konstruktiver Aufbau der Vorrichtung.An ejector 124 is arranged at the end of the segment 123, through which the finished packs are ejected from the holders 22 and placed on a packing track 125. The ejector 124 is in the present case with the swing arm 102 for the swing arm 16 on one common axis 126 mounted. This results in a simple construction of the device.

Claims (10)

  1. Method for introducing packets (12) into pockets (21) or the like of a turret (19) which rotates continuously at a speed differing from the speed of the packets (12) to be supplied and in which the packets (12) to be supplied are accelerated along a conveyor belt (80) leading toward the turret (19) and designed as a circular path which is axially parallel to the turret (19) by non-uniformly driven driving pockets (61) from a standstill to the rotational speed of the turret (19), and the conveyor belt (80), at least in the region of transfer of the packets (12) to the turret (19), enters the rotational path of the turret (19) or of the pockets (21) thereof such that the packets (12) are taken directly from the pockets (21) of the turrets (19) when the speed is momentarily identical to the turret (19).
  2. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that, for bringing together packets in a packaging machine, in particular for introducing a slide (12) into a sleeve (11) of a packet of the "slide and sleeve" type, the slide (12) and the sleeve (11) are each conveyed coaxially and at the same speed along a coaxial circular path of identical diameter and are combined with one another by the axial displacement at least of the slide (12) or of the sleeve (11).
  3. Method according to claim 2, characterised in that, for introducing the slide (12) into the sleeve (11), each of these is conveyed in a coaxially facing manner along a circular path of identical diameter and the slide (12) is introduced into the open sleeve (11) by axial displacement during a part circular movement.
  4. Method according to claim 2 or 3, characterised in that the sleeve (11) is brought upright from a flat initial position during conveyance along the circular path.
  5. Apparatus for the supply and transfer of packets (12) supplied individually or discontinuously by a conveyor (15) to a continuously rotating turret (19) provided with pockets (21) or the like, with a transfer device (13) for accelerating the packets (12) from a standstill to the rotational speed of the turret (19) and for transferring the packets (12) to the turret (19) or the pockets (21) thereof when the speeds are momentarily identical, characterised by the following features:
    a) the transfer device (13) consists of a conveyor belt (80) and of several groups each having several driving pockets (61) which are non-uniformly rotationally drivable such that a respective driving pocket (61) of the successive groups can receive a packet (12) from the conveyor (15) and convey it along the conveyor belt (80),
    b) the conveyor belt (80) is designed as a circular path which is axially parallel to the turret (19),
    c) the conveyor belt (80), at least in the region of transfer of the packets (12) to the turret (19), enters the rotational path thereof or of the pockets (21) such that the packets (12) are received directly by a pocket (21) when the speed is momentarily identical to the turret (19).
  6. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterised in that the transfer device (13) has two groups of three driving pockets (61) allocated to a respective conveyor arm (65, 66).
  7. Apparatus according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterised in that the driving pockets (61) or the conveyor arms (65, 66) are each drivable by a uniformly rotating driving member (70) which drives the conveyor arms (55, 66) non-uniformly by means of an intermediate gear (77, 78, 79).
  8. Apparatus according to claim 7, characterised in that the packets (slides 12) can be supplied by means of a rectilinearly extending conveyor (15) and can be transferred along an arcuate movement path to the driving pockets (61) by means of a lifting device (83).
  9. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterised in that the packets are held in the driving pocket (61), which is open at the bottom, by at least one retaining strip (90), which can be moved laterally toward the packet, has an arcuate supporting face (93) and, in the vicinity of the transfer of the packets to the driving pocket (61), acts as an extension of the conveyor belt (80) or of legs (89) thereof.
  10. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterised in that the turret (19) receiving the packets from the transfer device (13) is allocated a coaxially mounted second turret (20) which rotates at the same speed and has a plurality of holders (22) for receiving, in particular, sleeves (11) of a packet of the "slide and sleeve" type corresponding to the plurality of pockets (21) of the first turret (19) for receiving the packets, in particular of a slide (12) for a packet of the "slide and sleeve" type and in that axially directed conveying members (rams 23) are provided for an axially directed displacement and bringing together of the slide (12) and the sleeve (11).
EP81102133A 1978-02-15 1979-02-02 Method and apparatus for feeding articles, especially packages, into the run of an endless conveyor Expired - Lifetime EP0034377B2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE2806263A DE2806263C2 (en) 1978-02-15 1978-02-15 Device for producing sliding packs for cigarettes
DE2806263 1978-02-15

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP79100309.8 Division 1979-02-02

Publications (4)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0034377A2 EP0034377A2 (en) 1981-08-26
EP0034377A3 EP0034377A3 (en) 1981-09-02
EP0034377B1 EP0034377B1 (en) 1984-11-07
EP0034377B2 true EP0034377B2 (en) 1994-03-23

Family

ID=6031963

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP79100309A Expired EP0003573B1 (en) 1978-02-15 1979-02-02 Method and apparatus for bringing together articles in a packaging machine
EP81102133A Expired - Lifetime EP0034377B2 (en) 1978-02-15 1979-02-02 Method and apparatus for feeding articles, especially packages, into the run of an endless conveyor

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP79100309A Expired EP0003573B1 (en) 1978-02-15 1979-02-02 Method and apparatus for bringing together articles in a packaging machine

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US4258526A (en)
EP (2) EP0003573B1 (en)
JP (1) JPS54117290A (en)
BR (1) BR7900923A (en)
CA (1) CA1136537A (en)
DE (1) DE2806263C2 (en)

Families Citing this family (30)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2949252A1 (en) * 1979-12-07 1981-06-11 Focke & Co, 2810 Verden METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PACKING CIGARETTES OR THE LIKE
DE3046065C2 (en) * 1980-12-06 1984-11-29 Maschinenfabrik Alfred Schmermund Gmbh & Co, 5820 Gevelsberg Bottom folding packer
DE3523208A1 (en) * 1984-07-14 1986-01-16 Hauni-Werke Körber & Co KG, 2050 Hamburg Apparatus for testing finished packs, especially cigarette packs, on a packaging machine
DD244321B1 (en) * 1985-12-19 1990-08-08 Nagema Veb K DEVICE FOR CONTACTING DAUEBACKWAREN
DE3701273A1 (en) * 1987-01-17 1988-07-28 Focke & Co METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PACKING PAPER HANDKERCHIEFS
DE3723001A1 (en) * 1987-07-11 1989-01-19 Hauni Werke Koerber & Co Kg DEVICE FOR CONVERSING BLOCK-SHAPED ARTICLE GROUPS OF THE TOBACCO-PROCESSING INDUSTRY
IT1225350B (en) * 1988-11-30 1990-11-13 Gd Spa CIGARETTE PACKING MACHINE IN RIGID HINGED LID PACKAGES
IT1225504B (en) * 1988-11-30 1990-11-20 Gd Spa METHOD FOR PACKAGING CIGARETTES IN RIGID HINGED LID PACKAGES
JPH04511U (en) * 1990-04-16 1992-01-06
EP0473320A1 (en) * 1990-08-15 1992-03-04 Philip Morris Products Inc. Apparatus and method for forming hinged top cigarette box
DE4210813A1 (en) * 1992-04-01 1993-10-07 Schmermund Maschf Alfred Cartoning device
DE4210812A1 (en) * 1992-04-01 1993-10-07 Schmermund Maschf Alfred Cartoning device
IT1257448B (en) * 1992-09-30 1996-01-25 APPARATUS FOR THE CONTINUOUS FEEDING OF CARTONS TO A SO-CALLED CARTONING MACHINE
DE4300149A1 (en) * 1993-01-08 1994-07-14 Focke & Co Device for producing cigarette packs
DE19532092A1 (en) * 1995-08-30 1997-03-06 Focke & Co Device for conveying packs
DE19654394A1 (en) 1996-12-27 1998-07-02 Focke & Co Packaging machine for the manufacture of cigarette packs
DE19706215A1 (en) * 1997-02-18 1998-08-20 Focke & Co Packaging machine, in particular for the manufacture of cigarette packs
DE19946787A1 (en) 1999-09-29 2001-04-05 Focke & Co Method and device for diagnosing machines
GB0024796D0 (en) * 2000-10-10 2000-11-22 Molins Plc Package
DE10158736A1 (en) * 2001-11-30 2003-06-12 Focke & Co Method and device for manufacturing hard packs for cigarettes
CN100425509C (en) * 2002-05-09 2008-10-15 富士胶片株式会社 Packing object supplying device, box supplying device boxing device, packing system and method
WO2005054056A1 (en) * 2003-12-01 2005-06-16 British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited Apparatus and method for packing smoking articles
JP2007517479A (en) * 2003-12-24 2007-06-28 モレックス　インコーポレーテッド Transmission line with varying impedance
CN101385190A (en) * 2003-12-24 2009-03-11 莫莱克斯公司 Multichannel wave-guide construction
US20060037876A1 (en) * 2004-08-20 2006-02-23 Philip Morris Usa Inc. Method of packaging cigarettes and package
IT1397936B1 (en) * 2010-01-26 2013-02-04 Gima Spa PACKING MACHINE AND METHOD FOR PACKAGING SMOKE ITEMS.
ITBO20130023U1 (en) * 2013-03-15 2014-09-16 Gima Spa BOX.
CN104229179B (en) * 2014-09-02 2016-10-05 河南中烟工业有限责任公司 Bag riser in the aluminium-foil paper of a kind of packer
EP3909877A1 (en) * 2020-05-14 2021-11-17 Teepack Spezialmaschinen GmbH & Co. KG Device for transporting finished and filled tubular pieces
IT202100020399A1 (en) * 2021-07-29 2023-01-29 Fiorenzo Draghetti EQUIPMENT AND PROCEDURE FOR PACKAGING PACKAGES OF SMOKING ITEMS OF DIFFERENT FORMATS

Family Cites Families (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE109292C (en) *
US1326187A (en) * 1919-12-30 donnelly
US1064452A (en) * 1912-08-01 1913-06-10 Diamond Match Co Box-filling machine.
CH139969A (en) * 1928-11-01 1930-05-15 American Mach & Foundry Small piece packing machine, especially for cigarettes.
DE609792C (en) 1932-03-19 1935-02-26 Cie De Signaux Et D Entpr S El Filling mouthpiece, especially for packing cigarettes in collapsible bags
DE803523C (en) * 1949-12-06 1951-04-05 Kurt Koerber & Co K G Method and device for packaging cigarettes and other goods
DE1761556U (en) * 1957-09-27 1958-02-13 Rose Brothers Ltd DEVICE FOR CONVEYING FOLDING BOXES.
DE1183427B (en) * 1959-02-28 1964-12-10 Alfred Schmermund Feed device for cigarettes on a cigarette packing machine
DE1172183B (en) 1959-05-20 1964-06-11 Hesser Ag Maschf Device on filling and closing machines for evacuating and gassing bag packs
DE1285940B (en) 1965-05-20 1968-12-19 Focke Pfuhl Verpack Automat Device for continuously wrapping block-like objects in a blank made of heat-sealable film
GB1171762A (en) * 1965-11-01 1969-11-26 Molins Machine Co Ltd Improvements in or relating to Packing Machines.
GB1203662A (en) 1967-06-12 1970-09-03 American Mach & Foundry Cigarette or rod-like articles packaging machine and method
GB1223806A (en) * 1968-06-11 1971-03-03 Amf Inc Cigarette packing machines
US3633470A (en) * 1969-02-12 1972-01-11 Pitters Proprietary Ltd Package feeder apparatus
GB1316933A (en) 1969-09-05 1973-05-16 Molins Machine Co Ltd Rotary conveyor article transfer apparatus
CH524452A (en) * 1970-08-03 1972-06-30 Richter Gedeon Vegyeszet Packaging machine for converting cardboard blanks into folding boxes
GB1429641A (en) * 1972-02-24 1976-03-24 Hauni Werke Koerber & Co Kg Apapratus for producing packages of cigarettes or other rod-like articles pertaining to the tobacco industrey
DE2244533A1 (en) * 1972-09-11 1974-04-04 Hauni Werke Koerber & Co Kg PACKAGING MACHINE FOR PACKING FORMATIONS MADE OF ROD-SHAPED SMOKING ARTICLES
DE2440006C2 (en) 1974-08-21 1984-06-28 Focke & Co, 2810 Verden Method and device for the production of (cuboid) hinged boxes

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
BR7900923A (en) 1979-09-11
EP0034377A3 (en) 1981-09-02
EP0003573B1 (en) 1983-02-16
JPH0212805B2 (en) 1990-03-28
EP0034377B1 (en) 1984-11-07
CA1136537A (en) 1982-11-30
US4258526A (en) 1981-03-31
EP0034377A2 (en) 1981-08-26
DE2806263C2 (en) 1986-08-14
DE2806263A1 (en) 1979-08-16
EP0003573A3 (en) 1979-09-05
JPS54117290A (en) 1979-09-12
EP0003573A2 (en) 1979-08-22

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0034377B2 (en) Method and apparatus for feeding articles, especially packages, into the run of an endless conveyor
EP0226872B1 (en) Device for making (cigarette) packages from at least one foldable blank
EP0197368B1 (en) Method and apparatus for packaging cigarettes in particular
EP2210813B2 (en) Method and device for packaging small articles
DE3046065C2 (en) Bottom folding packer
DE2750533C2 (en) Device for feeding groups of objects
EP0275481B1 (en) Method and device for packaging paper handkerchiefs
EP0030359A1 (en) Apparatus for packaging cigarettes or the like
DE2526047A1 (en) REVOLVING CONVEYOR ON A WRAPPING MACHINE
EP0605838A1 (en) Device for manufacturing cigarette packs
DE2425969A1 (en) GEAR OF A HIGH PERFORMANCE CIGARETTE PACKAGING MACHINE
DE4225062A1 (en) METHOD FOR TRANSFERRING PRODUCTS BETWEEN CONTINUOUSLY MOVING CONVEYOR DEVICES
DE102014005959A1 (en) Method for grouping articles into article poles and grouping device and packaging machine with such articles and control device for product holding devices
EP0529689B1 (en) Device for transferring parallelepipedic packages
EP0304736B1 (en) Method and device for enveloping, especially cigarette packages
EP2490948B1 (en) Device for storing (cigarette) packets
EP0418687B1 (en) Bottom-folding packaging machine
DE19618511A1 (en) Method and device for transferring objects
DE2135495B2 (en) Plant for the manufacture and packaging of tampons
DE2858074C2 (en) Device for transferring wrapped groups of cigarettes to a rotating revolver
DE2329534A1 (en) DEVICE FOR WRAPPING SWEETS OR SIMILAR SMALL PARTS
EP0367041B1 (en) Device for transferring parallelepiped articles
EP0438764B1 (en) Cigarette packaging machine
DE1461932C (en) Device for packing cigarettes save or the like
EP0324898A1 (en) Device for precisely transferring and transporting wound balls to a ball-winding machine

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

AC Divisional application: reference to earlier application

Ref document number: 3573

Country of ref document: EP

AK Designated contracting states

Designated state(s): FR GB IT

AK Designated contracting states

Designated state(s): FR GB IT

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19811104

ITF It: translation for a ep patent filed
GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AC Divisional application: reference to earlier application

Ref document number: 3573

Country of ref document: EP

AK Designated contracting states

Designated state(s): FR GB IT

ET Fr: translation filed
PLBI Opposition filed

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009260

26 Opposition filed

Opponent name: HAUNI-WERKE KOERBER & CO. KG

Effective date: 19850802

PLAB Opposition data, opponent's data or that of the opponent's representative modified

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009299OPPO

R26 Opposition filed (corrected)

Opponent name: KOERBER AG

Effective date: 19850802

RAP2 Party data changed (patent owner data changed or rights of a patent transferred)

Owner name: FOCKE & CO. (GMBH & CO.)

ITTA It: last paid annual fee
PUAH Patent maintained in amended form

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009272

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: PATENT MAINTAINED AS AMENDED

27A Patent maintained in amended form

Effective date: 19940323

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B2

Designated state(s): FR GB IT

ITF It: translation for a ep patent filed
ET3 Fr: translation filed ** decision concerning opposition
APAC Appeal dossier modified

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS NOAPO

APAC Appeal dossier modified

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS NOAPO

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 19980126

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 19980210

Year of fee payment: 20

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF EXPIRATION OF PROTECTION

Effective date: 19990201

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: PE20

Effective date: 19990201

APAH Appeal reference modified

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSCREFNO